Following an emphatic and brilliant second-half performance against Abahani Limited Dhaka and qualifying for the AFC Cup 2023/24 group stages, Mohun Bagan returns to their Durand cup action against ISL League Winners Mumbai City FC for their second major test so far of this crucial season's campaign at the Yuba Bharati Krirangyan.
With the confidence of Qualifying for the AFC Cup 2023/24, Juan Ferrando's boys are looking forward to forgetting their underwhelming last Durand Cup match against Rivals Emami East Bengal and qualifying for the Durand Cup Semi-Finals. But defeating a much greater team with comparatively good Chemistry won't be a cakewalk for the Mariners, especially with no record winning against Mumbai City FC.
On paper, both the teams are quite evenly matched and considering Mohun Bagan's players portfolio, the Mariners are quite well positioned. But Football is played on grass rather than on paper. With the brilliant on and off-field tactics of MCFC's head coach Des Buckingham and the high standard of pre-season. It will be a huge challenge for Juan Ferrando to break their ever-growing chemistry and depth. With the likes of CF Greg Stewart, MF Yoell Van Nieff, DF Rostyn Griffiths and Domestic stars Akash Mishra, Lalllinzuala Chhangte and Apuia. Mumbai City is among the few teams in the Indian Super League to have the best depth in every department of their squad.
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| Courtesy: Mumbai City FC |
But things have somewhat changed since the Derby loss, Mohun Bagan as a team is quite picking up their chemistry and improving it. As a new Signing Hector Yuste mends our Defensive Midfield line with Anwar Ali and leaves the mark on his debut match. We can be optimistic with our defence. The forward line is shaping up as Armando Sadiku gets his debut goal and boosts his morale. Aussie Jason Cummings is improving his pace and converting a thumping penalty, things are improving.
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| Courtesy: Mohun Bagan Super Giant |
Mumbai City deserves to be the favourites for this match as they have both unmatchable chemistry and depth in every department. As mentioned Football is played on the pitch and as it is a knockout match, Mohun Bagan has to give at least 100% to win this match and continue our Durand Cup run.
This will be all kinds of fun, and I think Mohun Bagan will prove they’re ready to compete with the Nation and Asia's best in the future.
Last 3 Encounters between Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City Fc:
2022/23 ISL: MBSG 2-2 MCFC
2022/23 ISL: MCFC 1-0 MBSG
2021/22 ISL: MCFC 1-1 MBSG
Prediction: If all things go right and Juan Ferrando's boys keep their pace intact, a close win of 1-0 or 2-1 can be expected. But as both of the teams will give their 100%, a huge chance of a draw is there and the game might end up in a Penalty shootout.
Possible Line-ups:
Mohun Bagan SG: Vishal Kaith (GK), Ashish Rai, Anwar Ali, Subhasish Bose, Hector Yuste, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul, Liston Colaco, Hugo Boumous, Jason Steven Cummings, Manvir Singh
Mumbai City FC: Phurba Lachenpa (GK), Rahul Bheke (C), Rostyn Griffiths, Mehtab Singh, Akash Mishra, Apuia Ralte, Alberto Noguera, Greg Stewart, Chhangte, Bipin Singh, Jorge Pereyra Diaz
Kick OFF: 6:00 PM IST
Live Stream: Sony Sports Ten 2 (TV) and Sony Liv (OTT)
Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangyan (Salt Lake Stadium), Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
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